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Report: Los Angeles Lakers Shopping Nick Young

By Brian Sampson

Feb 15, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young reacts in the closing seconds of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Lakers 137-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young reacts in the closing seconds of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Lakers 137-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to make another move at the trade deadline by moving Nick Young. Does Magic Johnson have another trick up his sleeve?

Magic Johnson has been a busy, busy man. Since Magic took over as the the Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations on Tuesday he has already begun implementing changes to the Laker’s roster and the front office.

On Tuesday the Lakers agreed to trade Lou Williams to the Houston Rockets for Corey Brewer and a first round pick.  Magic has also reportedly hired a new general manager to take over for Mitch Kupchak. That may only just be the beginning.

While it appears that the Lakers will be unable to haul in a big star at the deadline, that isn’t stopping them from pursuing the smaller deals. Marc Stein of ESPN has reported that Magic is looking to continue to wheel and deal. This time he is contemplating trading Nick Young in exchange for a second round pick.

This isn’t the first year that Nick Young has been subject to trade rumors. In an interview last week with the Orange County Register, Young had this to say about the trade speculation:

"It’s better when you know you’re wanted. I’ll be all right. We’ll see what happens. I’ve been hearing this forever. It’s either stay home or hopefully go to somebody that’s making a push to the playoffs."

Throughout Nick Young’s career he has continuiously earned the nickname “Swaggy P.”  We all know how much fun Young is when he is knocking down shots.  With that said, this might be the most exciting version of Young we have seen. He is having a career shooting year for the Lakers.

He is shooting 41 percent from downtown while averaging seven three-point attempts a game.  Young also has a true shooting percentage of 60 percent, which ranks 12th in the NBA among guards who have played at least 20 games this season.  All of those stats are career highs for Nick Young. His turnover percentage of 4.9 is also a career-best.

Given Nick Young’s shooting capabilities it makes you wonder why the Lakers would only be seeking a second round pick for him. After all, the Brooklyn Nets were able to get a first round pick as part of a deal for Bojan Bogdanovic. While Bogdanovic hasn’t had nearly the shooting year Nick Young has had, he comes with a couple added benefits.

For starters, he is four years younger than Young. Bogdanovic may still have his best basketball ahead of him while Young’s may very well be behind him.  Nick Young also has a player option this summer for $5.6 million. This might discourage some teams from pursuing Young at the trade deadline.  Young’s swaggy demeanor might also be a deterrent for some teams.

Next: 2017 NBA Trade Deadline: Grades For All 30 Teams

It appears as if Nick Young will make an important addition to a team who is looking to make a deep playoff run. Nobody knows for sure what the future will hold for the Los Angeles Lakers.  They are a franchise that has been known for splashy moves on the trade market and in free agency. However, sometimes it is the simpler moves, like trading Nick Young for a second round pick, that can lead to a championship contender.

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